Walls were knocked down to let in the ocean views, the kitchen and bathroom were completely redone, pops of colour were introduced on walls and tired and torn furnishings were replaced.

The manager of Barnardos South Coast Find-a-Family, Jo Villa, said the home would be enjoyed by many families.

"The house was bequeathed to Barnardos by a Shellharbour couple, Harry and Hazel Bush, who were killed in a plane crash over the Grand Canyon in 1978," Ms Villa said.

"It's been used as a holiday home for the past 15 years and is available for any family engaged with the Barnardos service.

"That includes all our foster families and children as well as other families experiencing difficulties or seeking our support.

"It's in a great location but it hadn't been renovated in over 30 years."

Ms Villa said the house now had a "bright and airy" feel, the spaces were far more functional and there was a lot more storage.

House Rules host Johanna Griggs said it was the first time the show's contestants had taken on such a task.

"The contestants have been doing up their own homes but it's been lovely for them to do something that will make a difference to so many families for years to come," she said.

"The foster carers and Barnardos staff were just so floored and so appreciative of the work we did which was really great to see."

Ms Griggs said the contestants in this year's series had really clicked, although there had been some dramas along the way.

"But you can see the transformation - week one's design was very safe but by the time they get to the Barnardos house they're doing things they would never have dreamed of before," she said. "Like Candy and Ryan's decision to put [sky-themed] wallpaper on the ceiling in the games room, which looks perfect."

Albion Park mother Sharon Mitchell is a crisis foster carer for Barnardos and has spent time with foster kids in the house.

"We were grateful to come and spend time here before but now, after this amazing transformation, it's more deserving to be called a holiday house," she said.